“The programme is expressly devised so that Kermes can shed new light on 19th-century vocal writing, applying the stylistic approaches she has developed in music of earlier eras: her trademark blend of dazzling technical accomplishment, vital imagination, care over detail and a willingness to take risks...an unconventional but special addition to any Italian opera collection.” --BBC Music Magazine, February 2014 ****
“What can she bring to this repertoire? As you would expect, she's good at 'the runs' and the high notes. However, she simply doesn't have the weight or dark colour to frighten us...or inspire us...The final Monteverdi item is heavenly, both in itself and in reminding us how strong Kermes is on home turf.” --Gramophone Magazine, February 2014
“spiffing accounts of both of Mozart’s Queen of Night arias. The soprano’s Norma (Casta diva) sounds impossibly girlish, but arias from Rossini’s Semiramide and Maometto Secondo, and Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix and Betly, are dazzlingly sung. Odabella’s Santo di patria (from Verdi’s Attila) is barnstorming.” --Sunday Times, 24th November 2013
